Probe into Broadmoor’s finances

Investigators have been called to Broadmoor Hospital after concerns about its financial affairs.

An independent probe has been launched at the psychiatric hospital amid concerns of overspending and fraud.

In a statement, West London Mental Health Trust said it had called in the investigators.

The trust said it has ” an overriding duty to spend taxpayer money on priorities that make a difference to patient care.

“With that in mind, the trust has commissioned an independent investigation into the historic management of finances relating to capital projects undertaken within the capital estates and facilities department of the trust.

“We are unable to comment in detail on the investigation while it is ongoing. However, we can assure the public that the trust takes this matter very seriously and the investigation will be full and impartial, and will interview all those involved in the management of the department at that time.

“The trust board will take any appropriate actions as recommended in the final report. However, it would be inappropriate to pre-judge the findings of the investigation and whether any further formal action is required either by NHS Protect or the police.

“The trust has a new director of nursing and patient experience who is responsible for the estates and facilities department and she will continue the work started last year to improve the management and performance of the department.”

Broadmoor, which is home to some of the country’s most dangerous offenders, has also been heavily linked to the Jimmy Savile affair. The shamed television presenter had unprecedented access to the hospital, where some of his sexual abuse took place.

The hospital was at the centre of a high-profile tribunal last year, when an NHS whistleblower claimed she was bullied by her bosses when she made allegations about poor patient care and staff welfare.